More than just a consolation for Chris Martin as he ends his Derby County drought

Striker netted his 64th Rams goal in the 4-2 defeat to Reading at the weekend but it was his first for 19 months

by Chris Watson

17:00, 7 Nov 2017Updated08:15, 8 Nov 2017

It was a goal that had little bearing on the match - but will have meant a great deal to the man who scored it.

When Chris Martin slid in to convert Andre Wisdom's low cross from the right in the 90th minute of Derby County's Championship encounter with Reading at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday, it proved to be only a consolation for the Rams.

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It was a disappointing afternoon overall for Derby but ended on a personal positive note for Martin, no doubt lifting a weight off his shoulders.

The late goal was his first in a Rams shirt for 19 months - a drought dating back to the 4-0 home win over Hull City in April 2016.

Chris Martin runs back to the centre circle after his goal against Reading

There are, of course, mitigating factors. He spent a large part of last season on loan at Fulham, where he scored 11 goals. And he has started only five matches for Derby this term.

But a run of 30 Rams appearances without finding the net is a surprising statistic nonetheless for a man who was the club's leading marksman for three years running and sits joint 22nd on the list of all-time scorers with 64 - only four behind Marco Gabbiadini.

Martin's attitude has been praised by manager Rowett and there had been signs that the striker was finding his form, with important contributions from the bench in recent weeks.

For the former Norwich City front man, it has been all about the team, rather than individual achievements.

Chris Martin squares up to Reading keeper Vito Mannone

"I think every striker has that little bit of selfishness in terms of wanting to score goals, to contribute and do well for the team - but we're all in it together, we're all pulling in the same direction," he told RamsTV .

"That's something the manager has been massive on - that we all have to contribute - and I think we've done that.

"When people have been on the bench, they've been encouraging and I'd like to think I've done the same as well.

"I'll give the lads encouragement and pointers - if I think I can see something that they can't - and also just to be ready for your chance.

"I think we've all done that very well and showed great professionalism - not just the strikers, but everybody.

"That's a big key, I think, if you want to be successful.

"You need the people not in the team to just maintain their professionalism, character and mood as well at times. You can't get too frustrated or too down because it maybe saps the energy out of the group a little bit.